JP4436631B2 - Capsule endoscope - Google Patents

Description

  BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a capsule endoscope, and more particularly to a capsule endoscope configured by integrating an imaging optical system and imaging means in a substantially capsule-shaped housing.

  Conventionally, when performing, for example, inspection of a body cavity or the like, a tubular insertion portion provided with an imaging element or the like at the tip, an operation portion connected to the insertion portion, and an image processing apparatus connected to the insertion portion An endoscope apparatus that includes various devices such as a display device and a light source device, and is configured to be able to observe a desired site in a body cavity by inserting an insertion portion into the body cavity from the oral cavity of a subject. Practical use and widespread use. In such a conventional endoscope apparatus, since there is a restriction on the length or the like of the insertion portion inserted into the body cavity, there is a restriction on the range in which observation or inspection can be performed.

  Therefore, in recent years, for example, a small-sized endoscope in which an imaging unit, an illumination unit, a communication unit and a power receiving unit or a power source including an imaging optical system are housed in a capsule-shaped housing, a so-called capsule endoscope, Various types of capsule endoscope systems including communication means for performing wireless communication with the capsule endoscope, recording means for recording received signals, and display means for displaying the signals using a CRT, LCD, etc. Proposals have been made.

  When a body capsule is examined using a conventional capsule endoscope, if a lesion or the like is found in the body cavity of the subject, then a precision using a general endoscope is used. An inspection may be performed or a predetermined treatment may be performed in accordance with the inspection.

  In such a case, if accurate position information such as a lesion found by the capsule endoscopy performed earlier is acquired, the purpose of the detailed examination such as endoscopy performed later will be It is considered easy to rediscover the lesion.

  In view of this, a proposal for a means for detecting the position of the capsule endoscope after being inserted into a body cavity when performing examination, diagnosis, or the like using a capsule endoscope that has been conventionally proposed has been proposed, for example, Various techniques are disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 46357/1990.

In the capsule endoscope system disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-46357, position detection means for detecting the position of the capsule endoscope after being inserted into the body cavity is provided on the external receiving device side. is doing. The position detecting means receives a predetermined signal transmitted from the capsule endoscope in the body cavity, and acquires information on the position of the capsule endoscope in the body cavity based on the signal intensity. It is what.
JP 2001-46357 A

  However, with the position detection means disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-46357, the signal transmitted from the capsule endoscope in the body cavity is weak, so that the position detection can be performed with sufficient accuracy. It is considered impossible.

  Therefore, the surgeon must make efforts to rediscover the lesion site that was the target of the examination, which was previously discovered by capsule endoscopy, at the time of a close examination performed later. There was a possibility of not.

  As described above, when performing an examination using a capsule endoscope, it is extremely convenient to acquire position information such as a lesion that can be found by the examination. Of course, high accuracy is desired.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a predetermined site such as a lesion site that is found using a capsule endoscope inserted into a body cavity. By making it possible to place the information (marker) of the above, it will be possible to easily rediscover the affected part in the reexamination to be performed later, and to ensure the reexamination or treatment of the later day. It is to provide a capsule endoscope that can contribute.

  In addition, by making the capsule endoscope exterior member into a divided structure, it is possible to reduce the size of each divided capsule while using it in a large form without using a burden on the subject. It is an object of the present invention to provide a capsule endoscope that can be swallowed easily and can be more reliably inspected.

  And, with respect to the observation direction of the capsule endoscope inserted into the body cavity, it is possible to selectively observe at least one desired direction of at least two directions and to be configured to be able to switch the observation direction. It is an object of the present invention to provide a capsule endoscope that can ensure a wide field of view and perform a reliable examination.

In order to achieve the above object, a capsule endoscope according to the present invention is a capsule endoscope including at least an imaging optical system, an illumination device, an imaging device, and a circuit board . comprising an injection unit for injecting the position can be grasped acicular portion marker member formed of a metal having, the injection unit, the injection force for emitting the pre-Symbol marker member before Symbol marker member biasing member Bei Eteori holding the endoscope capsule biased state, and characterized that you distal end portion of the injection unit for injecting said marker member is in the range of the observation field of view.

  According to the present invention, predetermined information (marker) can be placed at a desired site, such as a lesion, discovered using a capsule endoscope inserted into a body cavity, so that re-execution performed at a later date is performed. It is possible to provide a capsule endoscope that can contribute to surely performing reexamination or treatment at a later date so that rediscovering of the affected part can be easily performed in an inspection or the like.

  In addition, by making the capsule endoscope exterior member into a divided structure, it is possible to reduce the size of each divided capsule while using it in a large form without using a burden on the subject. It is possible to provide a capsule endoscope that can be swallowed easily and can perform examination more reliably.

  And, with respect to the observation direction of the capsule endoscope inserted into the body cavity, it is possible to selectively observe at least one desired direction of at least two directions and to be configured to be able to switch the observation direction. It is possible to provide a capsule endoscope that can ensure a wide field of view and perform a reliable examination.

The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an outline of a capsule endoscope and a capsule endoscope system including the capsule endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In addition, in FIG. 1, the internal structure is shown by showing sectional drawing of a capsule endoscope.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a capsule endoscope system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a capsule endoscope 10 that includes various constituent members inside a capsule-shaped casing, and the capsule endoscope 10 that is external to the capsule endoscope 10. It is comprised by the external control apparatus 21 etc. which consist of the control means etc. which are controlled from.

  In addition to the control means as described above, the external control device 21 wirelessly transmits, for example, communication means for communicating with the capsule endoscope 10 and the power required by the internal electric circuit of the capsule endoscope 10. In addition to the power supply means for supplying power and the recording means for receiving and recording the image signal acquired by the capsule endoscope 10, a display means (not shown) for displaying an image based on the image signal acquired by the capsule endoscope 10 Etc.).

  That is, in the capsule endoscope 10, the power required for each of the internal electric circuits is wirelessly fed by the external control device 21 as described above. For this purpose, the external control device 21 is provided with predetermined power supply means. Accordingly, a communication power receiving unit 19 corresponding to the power supply means is provided in the capsule endoscope 10.

  The capsule endoscope 10 includes a casing 16 that is an exterior member that seals the inside in a liquid-tight manner, and various components disposed inside the casing 16, for example, a subject such as a digestive organ in a body cavity A light source 15a such as a light emitting diode (LED) that illuminates the light source and a light source mounting board 15b on which an electric circuit for driving and controlling the light source 15a is mounted; An imaging optical system 11 including a plurality of lens groups 11a that form an optical image of the specimen, a lens barrel 11b that holds the lens group 11a, and the like, and an optical image of the subject that is imaged by the imaging optical system 11 are received in a predetermined manner. An image pickup unit 12 including an image pickup device that performs photoelectric conversion processing and the like to generate an image signal, and performs various signal processing (image signal processing, communication processing, etc.) in response to the image signal output from the image pickup unit 12 A circuit board 13 composed of a plurality of boards 13a and 13b and the like on which an electric circuit and a control circuit for comprehensively controlling the entire internal electric circuit of the capsule endoscope 10 are mounted, and a plurality of boards constituting the circuit board 13 The capsule endoscope 10 mounted on a circuit board 13 and a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) 14 that electrically connects each other and a communication power receiving unit 19 described later, a marker ejection unit 17 (details will be described later), and the like. It is comprised by the attitude | position detection means 18 etc. which detect this attitude | position.

  The casing 16 of the capsule endoscope 10 is formed of, for example, a hard member such as resin, and covers and protects the front surface portion of the capsule endoscope 10 and at the same time, the illumination light beam emitted from the illumination unit 15 and the imaging optical system 11. A transparent window portion 16a capable of transmitting a light beam incident on the main body, and a main body portion 16b that constitutes a main part of the casing 16 and that is provided with various internal components and the like to cover and protect them from the outside. .

  The imaging optical system 11 includes a plurality of lens groups 11a and a lens barrel 11b that holds the lens groups 11a. The imaging means 12 is mounted on the mounting surface of the predetermined substrate 13a of the circuit board 13 disposed at a predetermined position behind the imaging optical system 11.

  The imaging means 12 is disposed at a predetermined position behind the imaging optical system 11 as described above. The imaging unit 12 receives an optical image of a subject formed through the imaging optical system 11 and performs photoelectric conversion processing, such as a CCD or CMOS imaging device, or drives the imaging device to perform predetermined signal processing. It consists of an electric circuit or the like composed of a plurality of electric components that perform the above. For this purpose, these electric circuits, image sensors, and the like are mounted on a predetermined substrate 13a of the circuit substrate 13.

  Therefore, when the subject is illuminated by the illuminating means 15 and the illumination light beam is reflected by the subject, the reflected light beam is collected by the imaging optical system 11 and transmitted therethrough, and then imaged by the imaging means 12. An optical image of the subject is formed on the light receiving surface of the element.

  The imaging unit 12 receives an optical image of the subject formed by the imaging optical system 11 and performs signal processing such as predetermined photoelectric conversion processing, and an electrical signal (image signal) corresponding to the optical image of the subject. Is supposed to generate.

  As described above, the circuit board 13 is composed of a plurality of boards 13a and 13b and the like, and controls, for example, an electric circuit that performs various image signal processing, drive control processing, signal communication processing, and the like, and the capsule endoscope 10 as a whole. A control circuit and the like are mounted. Each of these electric circuits has, for example, a semiconductor one-chip configuration.

  Here, the detailed configuration of the imaging means 12 and the circuit board 13 will be described below.

  FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a main part of the imaging optical system, the imaging unit, and the circuit board in the capsule endoscope of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a procedure for manufacturing the imaging means. In addition, the state of FIG. 3F is a cross-sectional view showing a form when the manufacturing of the imaging unit is completed.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3F, the imaging means 12 is configured by joining a glass member 12a and an imaging element (hereinafter referred to as an image sensor) 12c. In this case, the glass member 12a is disposed on the front surface side of the image sensor 12c, that is, the surface on the side facing the imaging optical system 11 and on the side where the imaging surface is formed.

  Therefore, the electrode provided on the front side of the image sensor 12c (joint surface with the glass member 12a) cannot be taken out. Therefore, in order to take out these electrodes from the front side to the back side of the image sensor 12c, the image sensor 12c is provided with a through electrode 12d and a protruding electrode (bump) 12e. That is, in this image sensor 12c, an electric circuit is formed so that the electrodes can be taken out from the front side to the back side of the image sensor 12c through the through electrode 12d and the protruding electrode 12e.

  The through-electrodes 12d are made of extremely fine holes that penetrate the image sensor 12c, and a plurality of through-electrodes are provided as many as the number of electrodes. A protruding electrode 12e is provided on each of the through electrodes 12d. The protruding electrodes 12e are collectively formed in a wafer state by plating (details will be described later).

  The glass member 12a has a recess formed on the surface facing the image sensor 12c. This is a measure for hermetically sealing the surface of the image sensor 12c when the glass member 12a and the image sensor 12c are joined. As a result, when the two are joined, an air layer 12b is formed in a predetermined region between the two (see FIGS. 2 and 3F).

  The imaging means 12 configured as described above is manufactured by the following procedure.

  First, as shown in FIG. 3A, the reinforcing member 100 is temporarily joined to the image sensor wafer 12cc as a material as shown in FIG. 3A by a temporary joining member 101 such as a predetermined adhesive.

  Next, the image sensor wafer 12cc in the state shown in FIG. 3B is polished to a predetermined thickness using a predetermined machine tool or the like. As a result, the state shown in FIG.

  By this polishing process, the image sensor wafer 12cc is formed into an extremely thin film. In this state, it is difficult to perform various types of processing on the image sensor wafer 12cc.

  Therefore, the reinforcing member 100 is bonded to the thin film image sensor wafer 12cc to reinforce the image sensor wafer 12cc so as not to be damaged when the image sensor wafer 12cc is processed.

  A predetermined number of through electrodes 12d are formed at predetermined positions with respect to the image sensor wafer 12cc (having a specified thickness) in the state of FIG. As a result, an image sensor 12c having a configuration as shown in FIG. 3D is formed. The through electrode 12d is formed by means such as dry etching.

  Next, the protruding electrodes 12e are collectively formed on each through electrode 12d of the image sensor 12c shown in FIG. 3D by plating or the like. As a result, the image sensor 12c shown in FIG.

  Then, the reinforcing member 100 and the temporary joining member 101 are removed from the state shown in FIG. Then, the glass member 12a is joined to the predetermined surface (front surface) side of the image sensor 12c. As a result, the state shown in FIG. In this case, the surface of the glass member 12a on which the concave portion is provided is disposed so as to face the front side (imaging surface) of the image sensor 12c. As a result, an air layer 12b is formed in a predetermined region between the glass member 12a and the image sensor 12c. This state is the form when the imaging means 12 is completed. That is, it is a form shown in FIG. The imaging means 12 is mounted on the board 13 a of the circuit board 13.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the boards 13a and 13b constituting the circuit board 13 are formed in a form in which, for example, an inductor 13aa, an integrated circuit (IC) 13ab, a thin film resistor 13ba, a capacitor 13bb, and the like are embedded in the inner layer. ing.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the posture detection means 18 is mounted on the circuit board 13 on the circuit board 13, which is disposed at a substantially central portion of the capsule endoscope 10. This posture detection means 18 is composed of a gyro for detecting the three-dimensional posture of the capsule endoscope 10 being inserted into the body cavity and being used. The posture of the capsule endoscope 10 is controlled based on the data detected by the posture detection means 18.

  In addition, as described above, the communication power receiving unit 19 is disposed at a predetermined position near one end in the capsule endoscope 10. The communication power receiving unit 19 is configured to have both a role responsible for communication between the capsule endoscope 10 and the external control device 21 and a role responsible for power reception from the external control device 21. .

  That is, the communication power receiving unit 19 transmits / receives various control signals between the capsule endoscope 10 being used in the body cavity and the external control device 21 provided outside the body cavity, for example. The capsule endoscope 10 receives the wireless means composed of an antenna member or the like for transmitting the acquired image signal of the subject to the external control device 21 and the power wirelessly supplied from the external control device 21. Power receiving means for distributing power to each of the internal electric circuits.

  The communication power receiving unit 19 includes, for example, an electric double capacitor (so-called supercapacitor), an omnidirectional antenna / transmitter VCO (communication means), a regulator, a power receiving antenna (power receiving means), and the like.

  As described above, the illuminating unit 15 mounts the light source 15a including a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) for illuminating the subject and the light source 15a, and performs drive control of the light source 15a. The light emitting light source mounting board 15b on which an electric circuit or the like is mounted is configured.

  In this case, specifically, a plurality of light emitting light sources 15 a are arranged in the vicinity of the outer peripheral edge of the lens barrel 11 b of the imaging optical system 11. Each of the plurality of light-emitting diodes constituting the light-emitting light source 15 a is disposed so as to emit a predetermined light beam toward the front surface side of the capsule endoscope 10.

  Further, at a predetermined position inside the capsule endoscope 10, there is a marker injection unit 17 which is a marking means for injecting a predetermined marker member 20 (details will be described later) into the body cavity and placing it in the body cavity. Is provided. The marker injection unit 17 includes a nozzle 17a, a valve 17b, a reservoir 17c, a marker member 20 filled in the reservoir 17c, and the like.

  The reservoir 17c is disposed behind the light emitting light source mounting substrate 15b inside the casing 16 of the capsule endoscope 10 and in the vicinity of a substantially central portion of the capsule endoscope 10. The inside of the reservoir 17c is filled with a marker member 20 that is preliminarily pressurized by being attached to an arbitrary part in the body cavity to be a marking (mark) of a lesioned part or the like.

  The marker member 20 is made of a liquid material such as a fluorescent material, an X-ray opaque material, and a dye. And as a means to pressurize this marker member 20, what is necessary is just to carry out beforehand by electromagnetic force or an electrostatic force etc., for example.

  The nozzle 17a is composed of a very thin tubular member. The nozzle 17 a is disposed so as to extend from a predetermined portion of the reservoir 17 c through the light emitting light source mounting substrate 15 b toward the transparent window portion 16 a of the housing 16. And the front-end | tip part of the nozzle 17a is arrange | positioned so that it may not protrude outside from the outer surface of the said transparent window part 16a in the predetermined position of the vicinity of the transparent window part 16a. Further, the tip portion of the nozzle 17 a is set so as to fall within the range of the field of view taken by the imaging optical system 11.

  A valve 17b is provided at a predetermined part of the nozzle 17a (part near the reservoir 17c). As this valve 17b, for example, a piezoelectric valve that opens and closes by a piezoelectric element, a pneumatic valve (air valve) that opens and closes by air pressure in a minute region, an electromagnetic solenoid valve, or the like is used. Therefore, the reservoir 17c and the nozzle 17a can be freely opened and closed by the valve 17b.

  When the valve 17b is opened, the marker member 20 inside the reservoir 17c passes through the nozzle 17a due to the internal pressure of the reservoir 17c, and a subject such as a target lesion on the front side outside the capsule endoscope 10 or the like. Injected towards

  The injection control of the marker member 20 by opening / closing control of the valve 17b is executed by remote control by the external control device 21. That is, the injection control is performed when the operator of the system 1 arbitrarily operates a predetermined operation member of the external control device 21. Thus, the marker ejection unit 17 is an ejection unit that ejects the marker member 20.

  On the other hand, the external control device 21 is acquired by the capsule endoscope 10 in addition to control means for controlling the entire system, such as mainly controlling the capsule endoscope 10 from the outside as described above. An image processing unit that receives image signals and the like wirelessly transmitted via the wireless communication unit of the capsule endoscope 10 and performs predetermined signal processing; a communication unit that performs communication between the capsule endoscope 10; and reception Necessary for recording means for recording the image signal and the like, display means for displaying the image signal as a viewable image after performing predetermined signal processing based on the image signal, and the capsule endoscope 10 Power supply means for wirelessly supplying power to be used.

  Among these, as a display means, for example, a cathode ray tube (CRT) type display device, a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, a plasma display device, an electro fluorescent display (Electro Luminescent Display; EL display) ) A general display device such as a device is used.

  The operation of the capsule endoscope 10 of the present embodiment configured as described above and the capsule endoscope system 1 including the capsule endoscope 10 will be described below.

  First, the capsule endoscope 10 inserted into the body cavity acquires an image signal corresponding to a desired subject, performs predetermined signal processing on the image signal, and then performs external control via the communication power receiving unit 19. Transmit to the device 21. Specifically, it is as follows.

  That is, when performing an examination using the capsule endoscope 10, first, the subject is swallowed by the capsule endoscope 10.

  The capsule endoscope 10 advances through the body cavity by a peristaltic motion by a body cavity organ of the subject or a predetermined moving means, and eventually reaches a target site (near the subject) for which observation and inspection are desired. Here, the power feeding operation from the external control device 21 to the capsule endoscope 10 is started.

  Note that the timing of the power feeding operation from the external control device 21 to the capsule endoscope 10 is not limited to the above-described example, and any desired desired, such as starting the capsule endoscope 10 immediately before the subject swallows, for example. This should be done at the time.

  When the capsule endoscope 10 is activated by receiving power from the external control device 21, the illumination unit 15 is also turned on at the same time. Then, the capsule endoscope 10 moves while illuminating the body cavity by the illumination means 15. At this time, the optical image in the body cavity is formed on the light receiving surface of the imaging means 12 by the imaging optical system 11.

  In response to this, the imaging means 12 performs a predetermined photoelectric conversion process. By this photoelectric conversion process, an electrical signal (image signal) representing an image corresponding to the optical image of the subject is generated. The image signal is output to a predetermined element or the like mounted on the circuit board 13 via the FPC 14 and subjected to various signal processing.

  Then, an image signal representing the subject image generated as a result is output to the external control device 21 via the communication power receiving unit 19. In response to this, the external control device 21 performs predetermined signal processing on the received image signal, and then outputs the corresponding predetermined form of electrical signal to the recording means and display means provided therein. It is transmitted as a recording image signal suitable for recording or a display image signal suitable for display.

  That is, the image signal of the subject is converted into a recording image signal in a predetermined form suitable for recording, and is transmitted to the recording unit, and is stored in a predetermined recording medium (not shown, recording unit). Included) in a predetermined recording area. In addition, the image signal is converted into a display image signal in a predetermined form suitable for display, transmitted to the display device, and displayed as a visible image using the display unit.

  In this way, the image of the subject displayed on the display unit of the display device is observed. As a result, examination and diagnosis of the subject are performed.

  As described above, when the capsule endoscope 10 inserted into the body cavity is in the vicinity of a site (subject) to be observed and examined, the operator of the system 1 performs a predetermined operation of the external control device 21. As a result, the marker ejection unit 17 of the capsule endoscope 10 is operated to perform ejection control of the marker member 20.

  At this time, since the nozzle 17a of the marker ejection unit 17 is set so as to fall within the range of the field of view of the imaging optical system 11, at least the tip portion of the nozzle 17a together with the subject is a display device of the external control device 21. Can be observed on a display section (not shown). Therefore, the operator performs an ejection operation of the marker member 20 using the marker ejection unit 17 while simultaneously observing the subject to be marked by the marker member 20 and the nozzle 17a.

  Thus, when the marker member 20 is ejected from the marker ejection unit 17 by a predetermined amount, the marker member 20 is placed at a desired target site in the body cavity. In this way, marking is performed on a subject such as a lesion.

  This injection operation may be performed at least once for one inspection, but a plurality of injection operations may be performed.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the marker member 20 is arbitrarily placed on a desired site, for example, a subject such as a lesion, while observing the inside of the body cavity using the imaging unit 12. Since the marker injection unit 17 which is a marking means for marking is provided, after a test using the capsule endoscope 10, a subject such as a lesion part previously discovered is rediscovered. Easy to do.

  In this case, when a dye or the like is used as the marker member 20, a site (lesion) in which the marker member 20 is placed in an inspection to be performed later, for example, in a detailed inspection using a normal endoscope or the like. It is easy to rediscover (subject).

  In addition, when a fluorescent substance is used as the marker member 20, rediscovering a lesioned part or the like is facilitated particularly by performing fluorescence observation.

  When an X-ray opaque material is used as the marker member 20, an X-ray examination is performed after the examination by the capsule endoscope 10 to grasp an accurate part such as a lesion from outside the body. it can.

  Further, since the nozzle 17a of the marker ejection unit 17 is set so as to fall within the range of the field of view of the imaging optical system 11, the tip portion of the nozzle 17a and the subject are displayed on the display unit of the display device of the external control device 21. It can be observed simultaneously on the same screen (not shown). Therefore, the injection operation using the marker injection unit 17 can be easily performed.

  In the first embodiment described above, the reservoir 17c is fixed at a predetermined position inside the capsule endoscope 10 as shown in FIG. In such a configuration, a capsule endoscope 10 is prepared for each type of the marker member 20 inside the reservoir 17c, and a desired capsule is selected from a plurality of types of capsule endoscopes 10 according to the examination to be performed. The endoscope 10 is selected and used.

  As another form, for example, the reservoir 17c may be configured as a unit, and the reservoir unit may be configured to be detachable from the capsule endoscope 10.

  In such a configuration, at the start of use of the capsule endoscope 10, a reservoir unit filled with a desired marker member 20 suitable for an examination to be performed and the like is arbitrarily selected, and this is selected as a capsule. It will be attached to the endoscope 10.

  That is, in this case, the capsule endoscope 10 main body structure is configured in common, and if only the reservoir unit is arbitrarily selected and attached to the main body of the capsule endoscope 10, the desired inspection can be performed. The marker member 20 can be selected.

  Therefore, it is possible to configure a system that can perform material management and the like more efficiently. At the same time, since only the reservoir unit needs to be manufactured and managed for each type of marker member 20 at the time of manufacturing, the manufacturing process can be made more efficient and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  In the above-described first embodiment, as the power supply method to the capsule endoscope 10, an external supply method including the communication power receiving unit 19 that receives wireless power feeding from the external control device 21 is applied. Although an example is shown, the capsule endoscope 10 is configured as a power supply system different from this, for example, a built-in power supply system in which a power supply battery such as a primary battery or a secondary battery is provided inside the capsule endoscope 10. Is also easy.

  In this case, the power supply unit in the external control device 21 is not necessary, and a communication unit in which the power reception unit is removed from the communication power reception unit 19 of the capsule endoscope 10 is applied.

  According to this, the usable time of the capsule endoscope depends on the power supply capacity, but the electrical configuration of the capsule endoscope and the like can be simplified, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. It can contribute to reduction.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the marker member 20 for marking the vicinity of the subject is filled in the reservoir 17c of the marker ejection unit 17, but instead of this marker member 20, It is also possible to fill the reservoir 17c with a therapeutic agent or a treatment agent that acts on a lesion or the like.

  If comprised in this way, when a visual inspection is performed by acquiring and displaying an optical image using the capsule endoscope 10, and at the same time a lesion or the like is found during the inspection, a marker injection unit By using 17 to inject a medicine or the like, an arbitrary simple treatment or treatment can be performed.

  On the other hand, in the first embodiment described above, an example in which the liquid member is mainly ejected toward the subject as the marker member 20 is shown. The liquid member is not limited to a form. For example, a configuration like the second embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is also conceivable.

  That is, FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an outline of a capsule endoscope and a capsule endoscope system including the capsule endoscope according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In addition, in FIG. 4, the internal structure is shown by showing sectional drawing of a capsule endoscope. FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part in the vicinity of the distal end portion of the capsule endoscope 10 according to the present embodiment, and an individual marker member is ejected from the capsule endoscope to mark a desired subject. It is a figure which shows the state in the case.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the present embodiment has a configuration substantially similar to that of the first embodiment described above, except that the configuration of the marker ejection unit provided inside the capsule endoscope is slightly different. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted, and only different components will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  The marker injection unit 17A of the present embodiment is configured by a cylindrical injection tube 17Aa and a biasing member 17Ae such as a spring for injecting the marker member 17Ad in order to inject the marker member 17Ad composed of a clip-like individual. Yes.

  A plurality of marker members 17Ad are accommodated in the injection tube 17Aa, and the urging member 17Ae is configured with a predetermined mechanism so that the marker member 17Ad can be injected outward at any time.

  As described above, the marker member 17Ad is a member made of a clip-like individual, and is formed of, for example, a metal member. When the marker member 17Ad is housed inside the injection tube 17Aa, the marker member 17Ad has a substantially granular form as shown in FIG. 4. When a predetermined operation is performed at any time, the marker member 17Ad is shown in FIG. As shown, the needle-like portion 17Add protrudes from the substantially distal end portion. The needle member 17Add is inserted into the subject 103, so that the marker member 17Ad is placed at the site.

  Other configurations are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment. The operation of the present embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment described above except that the marker member 17Ad ejected from the marker ejection unit 17A is different.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  In the present embodiment, since the individual marker member 17Ad made of metal or the like can be placed at a desired site in the body cavity, an X-ray examination is performed after the examination using the capsule endoscope 10A. By performing the above, the position of the lesioned part or the like can be accurately grasped from outside the body.

  Next, a capsule endoscope and a capsule endoscope system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

  6, 7, and 8 are diagrams illustrating the capsule endoscope according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an outline of a main capsule that forms a part of the capsule endoscope. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an outline of a power supply capsule constituting another part of the capsule endoscope. FIG. 8 is a view showing a state in which the main capsule of FIG. 6 and the power capsule of FIG. 7 are connected and the capsule endoscope is in use.

  The capsule endoscope 10B of the present embodiment includes two capsule-shaped housings, that is, a main capsule 10Ba in which main components such as an image pickup unit are accommodated as shown in FIG. 6, and a main capsule 10Ba as shown in FIG. And a power capsule 10Bb in which members constituting power source means such as a power battery are housed. The two separate capsules (main capsule 10Ba and power capsule 10Bb) are connected using a predetermined connecting means (details will be described later). It functions as the endoscope 10B.

  In addition, in the internal structural member of the capsule endoscope 10B of the present embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the structural members having the same functions as those of the capsule endoscope 10 of the first embodiment described above, and detailed description thereof will be given. Is omitted. 8 shows a state in which the main capsule of FIG. 6 and the power capsule of FIG. 7 are connected as described above, and the reference numerals given to the respective parts are omitted in order to avoid complication of the drawing. Are shown.

  The main capsule 10Ba is composed of a casing 16A that is an exterior member that seals the inside in a liquid-tight manner, and various components that are housed inside the casing 16A.

  The casing 16A as a whole has a form in which one end of a capsule shape is planar. That is, the casing 16A is formed in a hollow hemispherical shape by a hard member such as a transparent resin, for example, covers and protects the front portion of the capsule endoscope 10B, and at the same time, the illumination light flux emitted from the illumination means 15 and the imaging optical A transparent window portion 16Aa capable of transmitting a light beam incident on the system 11B, and a substantially cylindrical shape having an opening at one end by a hard member such as resin, for example, constitutes a main part of the casing 16A and has various configurations inside. The main body portion 16Ab is provided with members and the like that cover and protect them from the outside.

  In the housing 16A, as shown in FIG. 6, an imaging optical system 11B, an imaging means 12, a circuit board 13 including a plurality of boards 13a and 13b, a flexible printed board 14, a light emitting light source 15a and light emitting Illumination means 15 composed of a light source mounting board 15b and the like, attitude detection means 18, permanent magnets 22a as connection means, transformer (transformer) 23a and the like are arranged at predetermined positions.

  The imaging optical system 11B selects a light beam from one of the light beams (reference numerals O1 and O2 shown in FIG. 6) incident from two predetermined lateral directions with respect to the major axis direction of the capsule endoscope 10B. Thus, it is configured to be guided to the light receiving surface of the imaging means 12.

  For this purpose, the imaging optical system 11B includes a first lens group 11a and a second lens group 11e arranged at positions facing each other so that light beams from two different directions are incident, and the front surface of the light receiving surface of the imaging unit 12. A third lens group 11c arranged near the side, and a reflecting mirror 11d that receives one of the light beams transmitted through the first lens group 11a or the second lens group 11e and guides it to the third lens group 11c. ing.

  The reflecting mirror 11c is disposed so as to be rotatable in the direction of the arrow R within a predetermined range around the symbol X shown in FIG. In this case, the movable range of the reflecting mirror 11c is such that the angle is approximately 45 degrees with respect to the optical axis O1 of the light beam transmitted through the first lens group 11a and the optical axis O2 of the light beam transmitted through the second lens group 11e. It is movable between a position where the angle is approximately 45 degrees (indicated by a dotted line).

  In the present embodiment, communication means for performing communication between the capsule endoscope 10B and an external control device (not shown) is mounted on the circuit board 13.

  On the other hand, the power capsule 10Bb is configured by a casing 16Ac that is an exterior member that seals the inside in a liquid-tight manner, and various components that are housed inside the casing 16Ac.

  The casing 16Ac is generally formed in the same shape as the casing 16A of the main capsule 10Ba described above, but the whole is formed of a hard member such as resin similar to the main body portion 16Ab of the main capsule 10Ba. Has been.

  The housing 16Ac is configured by a plurality of power batteries 19A such as a primary battery and a secondary battery, a permanent magnet 22b as a connecting means, a transformer (transformer) 23b, and the like.

  The permanent magnet 22b has a polarity opposite to that of the permanent magnet 22a on the main capsule 10Ba side. Therefore, the main capsule 10Ba and the power capsule 10Bb (the casing 16Ab and the casing 16Ac) are shown in FIG. 8 by the magnetic force generated between the permanent magnet 22a on the main capsule 10Ba side and the permanent magnet 22b on the power capsule 10Bb side. It connects with such a form.

  Moreover, the transformer 23b can supply electric power in a non-contact state by being combined with the above-described transformer 23a on the main capsule 10Ba side.

  That is, by operating when the main capsule 10Ba and the power capsule 10Bb are connected as shown in FIG. 8, even if the main capsule 10Ba and the power capsule 10Bb are not in contact with each other, the power capsule 10Bb side to the main capsule 10Ba side. To supply power.

  The operation of the capsule endoscope 10B of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described below.

  When performing an inspection using the capsule endoscope 10B, the subject first swallows the main capsule 10Ba and the power capsule 10Bb separately. Then, both are connected by the action of the permanent magnets 22a and 22b in the body cavity.

  When both are in the connected state shown in FIG. 8, the transformers 23a and 23b are operated, and predetermined power is supplied from the power capsule 10Bb side to the main capsule 10Ba side. As a result, the capsule endoscope 10B starts its function.

  Here, the direction of the reflecting mirror 11d of the imaging optical system 11B is controlled by control of an external control device (not shown). Accordingly, it is possible to selectively observe a subject in one of two predetermined directions on the side of the capsule endoscope 10B. In the state shown in FIG. 8, the reflecting mirror 11d is set so as to guide the light beam transmitted through the first lens group 11a to the imaging means 12 side.

  Then, after the examination is completed, the capsule endoscope 10B is discharged out of the body cavity by a peristaltic motion or the like by the organ in the body cavity of the subject.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the main capsule 10Ba and the power capsule 10Bb are configured separately, and are connected by the permanent magnets 22a and 22b. Electric power is supplied from 10Bb to the main capsule 10Ba.

  Therefore, the size of each capsule as a single unit can be reduced.

  Further, even if the size of each capsule is increased, the subject can easily swallow, so the size of the capsule endoscope is increased without increasing the burden on the subject. be able to. This can ensure a wider internal volume for each capsule. For example, in the main capsule 10Ba, more constituent members can be arranged with a wider internal volume. Functionalization can be realized. Further, for example, in the power capsule 10Bb, more power batteries can be accommodated, which can contribute to the extension of the usage time. Further, instead of different types of power source batteries, for example, primary batteries and secondary batteries, it is possible to store power generation devices such as fuel cells.

  In the third embodiment described above, the permanent magnets 22a and 22b are used as connecting means for connecting the main capsule 10Ba and the power capsule 10Bb. However, the connecting means is not limited to this. .

  For example, at least one of the permanent magnets 22a and 22b may be composed of an electromagnet. In such a configuration, both the main capsule 10Ba and the power capsule 10Bb can be arbitrarily separated by controlling the magnetic force of the electromagnet using an external control device. Therefore, after swallowing the two separately before starting the test, the desired test is performed in a state where the two are connected, and then the two capsules 10Ba and 10Bb are discharged out of the body cavity. There is an effect that it can be easily performed.

  In the third embodiment described above, the power supply battery 10Bb is housed in the power supply battery. Separately, as shown in the first embodiment described above, the power supply battery 10Bb is externally supplied by wireless power transmission. It is also possible to easily provide power receiving means for receiving the generated power. In this case, a power source battery and power receiving means may be provided, and the built-in power source method and the external power feeding method may be used together, or only one of the power feeding methods may be configured.

  On the other hand, in the above-described third embodiment, the imaging optical system 11B is configured to selectively observe a subject in one of two predetermined directions on the side of the capsule endoscope 10B. It is configured. Instead of this, for example, it is also possible to configure such that a predetermined range in one direction or the front side of the capsule endoscope 10B can be observed.

  That is, FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a modification of the main capsule in the capsule endoscope according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  In this modification, as shown in FIG. 9, the configuration of the imaging optical system 11C among the internal components of the main capsule 10Ca is different from that of the third embodiment described above. Accordingly, the configuration of the main capsule 10Ca other than the imaging optical system 11C and the configuration of the power supply capsule are the same as those of the above-described third embodiment, and the illustration and detailed description thereof are omitted.

  The imaging optical system 11C in the main capsule 10Ca of the capsule endoscope of this modified example has two lens groups for entering light beams from two different directions as shown in FIG. 9, that is, a first lens group 11a and a second lens group. 11 f, the third lens group 11 c disposed in the vicinity of the front surface side of the light receiving surface of the imaging means 12, and the third lens group receiving either one of the light beams transmitted through the first lens group 11 a or the second lens group 11 f The reflecting mirror 11d leading to 11c is used.

  Of the two lens groups, the first lens group 11a is arranged at a position where a light beam from a predetermined direction on the side of the capsule endoscope can be transmitted in the same manner as in the third embodiment, and has a side field of view. It can be observed. The second lens group 11f is arranged at a position where it can transmit a light beam incident from the front of the capsule endoscope so that the front field of view can be observed.

  The reflecting mirror 11c is disposed so as to be rotatable in the direction of arrow R within a predetermined range around the symbol X1 shown in FIG. In this case, the movable range of the reflecting mirror 11c is a position where the angle is approximately 45 degrees with respect to the optical axis O1 of the light beam transmitted through the first lens group 11a (a position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 9), and the second lens group. It operates between a position (a position indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 9) retracted from a light beam (optical axis O3) that passes through 11f. Other configurations and operations thereof are substantially the same as those of the above-described third embodiment.

  As described above, the modified example has the same effect as that of the third embodiment, and can selectively observe either the front view or the side view of the capsule endoscope. .

1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an outline of a capsule endoscope and a capsule endoscope system including the capsule endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The principal part expanded sectional view which takes out and expands and shows the imaging optical system, the imaging means, and circuit board in the capsule endoscope of FIG. The figure which shows schematically the procedure at the time of manufacturing the imaging means in the capsule endoscope of FIG. The schematic block diagram which shows the outline | summary of the capsule endoscope of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and a capsule endoscope system containing the same. The principal part expanded sectional view of the front-end | tip part vicinity in the capsule endoscope of FIG. The schematic block diagram which shows the outline | summary of the main capsule which comprises some capsule endoscopes of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The schematic block diagram which shows the outline | summary of the power supply capsule which comprises other one part of the capsule endoscope of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The schematic block diagram which shows the state at the time of use of the capsule endoscope of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The schematic block diagram which shows the modification of the main capsule in the capsule endoscope of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Capsule endoscope system 10 * 10A * 10B ... Capsule endoscope 10Ba * 10Ca ... Main capsule 10Bb ... Power supply capsule 11 * 11B * 11C ... Imaging optical system 11c * 11d ... Reflector (Imaging Optical system)
12 ... Imaging means 12a ... Glass member 12b ... Air layer 12c ... Image sensor 12cc ... Image sensor wafer 12d ... Penetration electrode 12e ... Projection electrode 13 ... Circuit boards 13a and 13b ... Board 15 ... Illuminating means 15a ...... light emitting light source 15b..light emitting light source mounting substrate 16, 16A, 16Ab, 16Ac .... casing 16a, 16Aa..transparent window portion 16b, 16Ab..main body portion 17, 17A. means)
18 …… Attitude detection means 19 …… Communication power receiving unit 19A …… Power supply battery 17Ad · 20 …… Marker member 21 …… External control device

Claims (1)

In a capsule endoscope configured to include at least an imaging optical system, an illumination device, an imaging device, and a circuit board,
A marker member formed of metal having a needle-like portion which can grasp the position by X-ray examination in a body cavity comprises an injection unit for injecting,
The injection unit is pre Symbol Bei a biasing member for holding the capsule endoscope within the injection force while urging before Symbol marker member for emitting a marker member Eteori,
And, a capsule endoscope, characterized in that there the marker member within the tip section observation field of view of an injection unit for an injection.

Images